2026 International Day of Peace: NGO urges Nigerians to reject hate speech

As Nigerians mark the 2026 International Day of Peace, the Orlu Progressive Initiative (OPI), a non Governmental Organisation has called on people to reject hate speech, violence, drug abuse and every form of conduct that can create division among our people.

In a press briefing on the 2026 International Day of Peace in Owerri on  Monday, the Executive Director of OPI, Ikechukwu Nwabueze advocated for young people to be given hope and opportunities.

Nwabueze said that a society that wants peace must invest in its youth, adding that young people are not only beneficiaries of peace, rather an important partners in building and sustaining peace.

He stated needs to strengthen dialogue between communities and institutions so that many conflicts can be prevented

He said: “This is one of the reasons the Orlu Progressive Initiative continues to champion peacebuilding and community development across the South-East.

He advised Nigerians to become ambassadors of peace and refuse to spread information that can cause hatred or violence while teaching our children the value of tolerance and how to resolve disagreements peacefully.

He said: ” let us give our young people reasons to believe in their future. Peace is not somebody else’s responsibility, Peace begins with me. Peace begins with you. Peace begins with all of us.”

With the Theme: “Peace Begins With Us”, Nwabueze described peace as not just a word or an annual celebration but also a responsibility that belongs to all.

He said: “When we talk about peace, we are not only talking about the absence of war or violence. We are talking about communities where people feel safe, where young people have hope, where women and vulnerable people have a voice, where differences can be discussed without hatred, and where disagreements can be resolved through dialogue rather than violence.”

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The Executive Director said that considering the challenges facing our society today, particularly in the South-East, there is need to recognise that peace requires collective responsibility.

He urged the Government and the security agencies, the traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, civil society organisations, the media and the private sector to play important roles expected of them.

He said: “it begins with the way we speak to one another, the information we share, the way we respond to disagreements and the choices we make in our communities.”

He said: “We may have different political views, religious beliefs, backgrounds and opinions, but we can still live together, work together and build together.”

He called on leaders and citizens across the South-East to make peace a daily commitment, build communities where children can grow without fear, create opportunities for the young people and support women and vulnerable groups.

He stated the need to strengthen collaboration between communities, government, security agencies, civil society and other stakeholders, stressing that development cannot thrive where there is persistent insecurity and division.

On the South-East Peace and Stability Summit 2026, scheduled to hold on 23rd September, being organised by Orlu Progressive Initiative in Owerri, the ED said that the summit is bringing stakeholders together to discuss practical ways of strengthening peace, security, social cohesion and development across the South-East.

According to him, sustainable peace cannot be achieved by one organisation or one institution alone rather it requires partnership, dialogue and a shared commitment.